Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has formally announced the India tour of CRF450 Rally. The CRF450 is the ultimate off-road vehicle and the preferred motorcycle of Team Honda Racing Corporation for the legendary Dakar Rally.

Throughout India, Honda BigWing Topline stores and Adventure Camps will showcase the CRF450 Rally, providing enthusiasts and racing fans with a rare chance to get up close and personal with Honda's championship-winning attitude. It will pass through several important Indian cities, including Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Indore and Gurugram. The trip, which is scheduled to run from January to March 2025, aims to ignite Honda's innate spirit of performance and adventure.

With an impressive track record of performance in some of the most demanding rally events worldwide, the CRF450 Rally has served as a representation of Honda's engineering prowess. The motorbike has been continuously improved since its 2013 launch thanks to insightful knowledge gathered from intense competition. Honda most recently reaffirmed its dominance in international motorsports by finishing second in the coveted 2025 Dakar Rally. With Tosha Schareina and Adrien Van Beveren finishing second and third in the 47th edition of the renowned motorsport event, Monster Energy Honda HRC celebrated a second straight Dakar Rally double podium in Saudi Arabia.

Yogesh Mathur, Director – Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are delighted to bring the CRF450 Rally to India, a country with a growing passion for motorsports and adventure biking. With this tour, we aim to bring the essence of world-class rally racing closer to our customers, inspiring the next generation of motorsports enthusiasts. The CRF450 Rally is not just a motorcycle – it is a symbol of Honda’s relentless pursuit of excellence and dominance in motorsports. We recently completed showcase in the city of joy, Kolkata, and received an overwhelming response from enthusiasts. This tour is our way of sharing Honda’s Dakar-winning legacy with Indian enthusiasts and inspiring everyone to push boundaries and realise the power of dreams.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, and Thums Up, one of India’s leading soft drink brands under The Coca-Cola Company, have launched Thunderwheels 2.0 campaign.

The partners stated that following the success of last year’s collaboration, the new Thunderwheels 2.0 initiative brings an opportunity for consumers to win the all-new Hero Xtreme 250R motorcycle. The consumers have to scan QR codes on the special edition Thums Up packs to win a chance to own the Xtreme 250R.

Aashish Midha, Head of Marketing – India BU, Hero MotoCorp said, “The phenomenal response to Thunderwheels last year reaffirmed how deeply this initiative connects with the new generation of riders. Today’s youth want machines that reflect their individuality, confidence, and passion. With the Xtreme 250R, Hero MotoCorp is delivering a motorcycle built for agility, power, and style—designed for those who ride with intent. Our partnership with Thums Up amplifies this spirit, creating a shared culture of boldness, self-expression, and unstoppable energy on the road.”  

Sumeli Chatterjee, Category Head – Sparkling Flavours, Coca-Cola India and South-West Asia, said, “Every experience by Thums Up is built to fuel adrenaline and push boundaries. Thums Up ThunderWheels 2.0, in partnership with Hero MotoCorp’s Xtreme 250R, is built for the riders and thrill seekers who want to push the boundaries and be unstoppable in their dreams. For us, this partnership is all about engaging with young consumers in the spaces that matter most to them. Taste the Thunder and scan the pack to unlock action packed series of raw, real, and energetic experiences.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Royal Enfield has launched a refreshed version of its popular cruiser, the Meteor 350 with prices starting INR 195,762 for the Fireball variant.

It comes in four distinct variants – Fireball, Stellar, Aurora, and Supernova – with seven new colour options. All models are powered by the same 349cc air-cooled 'J-series' engine, which produces 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. However, the new line-up features several standard upgrades: LED headlamps, Tripper pod for navigation, LED turn indicators, USB Type-C fast-charging port, Assist-and-slip clutch and Adjustable levers.

The Fireball and Stellar variants now include the LED headlamps and Tripper pod as standard features. Meanwhile, the top-tier Supernova and Aurora models now come with adjustable levers, making them fully-equipped for long-distance touring.

Royal Enfield has also revamped the aesthetics of the Meteor 350 with new colour schemes tailored to different rider preferences. The Supernova variant now offers modern colours with chrome finishes, while the Aurora variant features heritage-inspired schemes for a retro feel. The Stellar and Fireball variants, with their subtle and vibrant colours respectively, are aimed at younger riders seeking a solo, free-spirited experience.

B Govindarajan, Managing Director and CEO, Eicher Motors, said, “For decades, Royal Enfield's philosophy of pure, unadulterated riding has strongly resonated with many riders across geographies. The launch of the Meteor 350 back in the year 2020 has brought in a new generation of riders who seek a distinct identity on the road. Today, it has become a preferred choice for those who value the cruiser aesthetic and a laid-back style of riding, be it for quick city errands or for longer explorations beyond the city limits. The Meteor 350 is not just a motorcycle, but a lifestyle statement for relaxed journeys and memorable experiences on the open road. We are super excited to bring the refreshed and updated version of the Meteor 350 portfolio which we believe will further elevate the experience of our community."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Ltd. (SMIPL), a subsidiary of Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corporation, has announced a new strategic partnership with Jana Small Finance Bank (JSFB), a rapidly growing institution in vehicle financing. This collaboration is designed to significantly improve customer access to financing for Suzuki's range of scooters and motorcycles across both urban and rural Indian markets.

By uniting SMIPL's widespread dealer network with JSFB's strong national presence, the alliance aims to make ownership more attainable. A key benefit for customers will be access to highly competitive financial products, which include attractive interest rates and expedited loan approvals that require minimal documentation. The partnership also promises to deliver flexibility through tailored repayment plans structured to suit a wide variety of individual financial situations.

Further enhancing the experience, JSFB will provide digital application platforms, continuous operational support, and the convenience of pre-approved loan offers. This comprehensive approach is intended to create a seamless, efficient and entirely transparent financing journey for every customer, from initial inquiry to final payment. The memorandum of understanding was formally executed by senior leadership from both organisations.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Ltd., said, “Customer convenience remains at the heart of everything we do at Suzuki Motorcycle India. Our association with Jana Small Finance Bank will expand financing options and bring added flexibility for two-wheeler customers across India. Through this partnership, we will also be able to deepen our presence in newer markets and benefit from JSFB’s vast network, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, allowing more customers to experience the joy of owning their favourite Suzuki two-wheeler.”

Pradeep Rebello, Business Head – Vehicle Loans, Jana Small Finance Bank, said, “At Jana Bank, we are committed to making financial inclusion a reality for millions. Our distribution with 809 branches, 4.6 million customers spread across 25 states coupled with this important partnership with Suzuki Motorcycle India allows us to serve our customers better by providing affordable and seamless financing for two-wheelers. With our digital-first processes, we ensure that every customer enjoys convenience, speed and trust in their loan journey. Our ability to support Suzuki’s expansive customer base demonstrates the power of our nationwide presence and dedication to delivering modern, inclusive banking solutions for all Indians.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has appointed Harshavardhan Chitale as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment, approved by the Board of Directors, is effective starting 5 January 2026.

Chitale brings more than three decades of global leadership experience to the role, with a strong background in industrial automation, digital transformation and information technology.

He has previously held senior executive positions at several multinational corporations, including serving as Global CEO of Signify's Professional Business, a leader in lighting solutions. During his time at Signify, Chitale led a global workforce of 12,000 employees and was credited with doubling the business’s profitability.

Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Harsh’s outstanding track record in driving growth, fostering innovation, and leading global transformation makes him the ideal leader for Hero MotoCorp at this pivotal moment. His vision and dynamism will accelerate our journey across electric and emerging mobility, premiumisation, digitalisation, sustainability and organisational renewal – shaping the future of mobility and beyond. With Harsh at the helm, Hero MotoCorp is well-positioned to realise its full potential and deliver enduring value to shareholders, customers, employees and society at large.”

Chitale's past roles also include Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Philips Lighting India and leadership positions at HCL Infosystems and Honeywell Automation India. He is also an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and an active angel investor in sectors like EVs and clean energy.

As part of the transition, Vikram Kasbekar, who served as Acting CEO, will work closely with Chitale to ensure a smooth handover. Kasbekar will continue to serve on the board as Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!